Suspect Charged With Killing Father Of His Former Girlfriend

Marathon County investigators say they had more time than usual to pursue a homicide case because their person of interest was in jail for disorderly conduct.  Lee Franck made a Tuesday court appearance to hear that a charge of first-degree intentional homicide is being filed against him.  He’s accused of killing Lyle Leith, the father of his former girlfriend, last winter.  Leith’s body was found February 20th.  Witnesses say Franck told the victim, “I hope your family dies,” just a few days before the killing.  Franck was taken into custody at his home in Niagara after a standoff which lasted several hours.